Summer weekend in Florence
How locals do summer in Florence — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Florence
Boboli Gardens
OutdoorsOltrarno
Medici hillside gardens behind Pitti Palace — cypress allées and panoramic fountains.
Ponte Vecchio at Sunset
OutdoorsLungarno
Gold-and-jewel shops on a 14th-century bridge — best photographed from Ponte Santa Trinita.
Piazzale Michelangelo
OutdoorsOltrarno
Hilltop terrace with the postcard view — bring wine and stay for sunset.
Mercato Centrale
Food & DrinkSan Lorenzo
Ground-floor Tuscan market, upstairs food hall — tripe panini, gelato, Chianti by the glass.
Where to eat
All'Antico Vinaio
$Schiacciata sandwich · Centro
Cult sandwich shop — pecorino, truffle and prosciutto on warm schiacciata.
Cibrèo Trattoria
$$$Modern Tuscan · Sant'Ambrogio
Fabio Picchi's no-pasta trattoria — short menu of perfect Tuscan classics.
Gelateria della Passera
$Gelato · Oltrarno
Pistachio, ricotta-and-fig — small batch, no artificial colour.
Trattoria Mario
$$Tuscan · San Lorenzo
Lunch-only family trattoria — bistecca alla fiorentina at communal tables.
Trattoria Sostanza
$$Florentine · Centro
Tiny 19th-century kitchen famous for butter chicken and meringue-cream cake.
Live & on stage
Estate Fiorentina
City-wide · Jun – Sep · Festival / Free
Florence Folks Festival
Visarno Arena · Jul 8–10 · Indie
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Opera di Firenze · Apr 25 – Jun 30 · Opera / Classical
Pitti Uomo
Fortezza da Basso · Jun 16–19 · Fashion
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Ponte Vecchio at Sunset, Piazzale Michelangelo, Boboli Gardens. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Florence and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.